Ludhiana (Punjab) [India], May 13 (ANI): Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring paid condolences to the families of those who have died after consuming spurious liquor while demanding time-bound action against the guilty. Warring said that the guilty must be identified and punished after being tried in a fast-track court.

'Devastating news from Majitha in Amritsar district. @ANI reports 14 people have died after consuming spurious liquor. My condolences to the bereaved families. Guilty must be identified and given exemplary punishment after being tried in a fast-track court. We need time-bound action. Such people deserve to be hanged from lamp posts for playing with the lives of people,' the Punjab Congress chief posted on X.

He also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the state, questioning the workings of the state government over the death of 14 people due to the consumption of illicit liquor in Amritsar's Majitha.

While addressing a public meeting in Birmi village of Ludhiana, Warring said that the functioning of the state government regarding the entire matter was under question. He also questioned the claims of the state government regarding drugs.

A total of nine accused have been arrested in connection with the illicit liquor case, where 14 people have died in Amritsar's Majitha and several have been hospitalised, an official said on Tuesday, adding that Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Station House Officer (SHO) Majitha have been suspended for 'gross negligence'.

According to Director-General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the Punjab police have arrested nine persons, including the kingpin of the racket, and the investigation to uncover the entire modus operandi of the illicit liquor trade was underway.

'Nine persons, including the kingpin of the racket and several local distributors, have been arrested in connection with the illicit liquor trade. Methanol, after being procured online, was used for spurious liquor manufacture. Investigation is underway to uncover the entire modus operandi and to bring all involved to justice,' DGP Yadav posted on X.

He said that an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Excise Act.

'FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the BNS & Excise Act. DSP Subdivision Majitha & SHO Police Station Majitha have been suspended for gross negligence. Departmental inquiries have been initiated against the delinquents,' the DGP added.

The civil administration, along with the police, are going door-to-door in villages to take stock of people who might have consumed the spurious liquor and ensure that they are provided with timely treatment.

The administration is making efforts to avoid further casualties in the illicit liquor case. Police said on Tuesday that the incident happened in five villages under the Majitha block in Amritsar. (ANI)